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They do not want their marriages to be nullified once they cross state lines. This is an issue that is making its way through courtrooms across the country.

A half dozen same sex couples along with the Forum for Equality are suing the state for marriage recognition. It comes down to how a judge interprets last year's Supreme Court decision, which requires the federal government to recognize gay marriages performed in states where those marriages are allowed.

"We have couples that have gotten married all over the country. When they come to Louisiana their marriage should not stop existing once they cross the state line, which is what happens under current state law," said Chris Otten with the Forum for Equality.

The plaintiffs argue that the Supreme Court's 2013 decision means Louisiana must recognize their marriages from other states, just as the federal government now does.

However, if the court rules in their favor, it does not mean that same-sex couples could get a marriage license in Louisiana, but those married legally somewhere else would have the rights to adopt children together in Louisiana, file joint tax returns and have other benefits that are currently extended to opposite-sex couples.

"There are some states that allow you to marry your first cousin. Louisiana does not allow that, but if you did that in another state and move to Louisiana, Louisiana would recognize it. They are singly focused on same sex couples," Otten said.

Lawyers for Attorney General Buddy Caldwell and other defendants are arguing that while the federal government may have to recognize all legal marriages, the Supreme Court ruling left it up to voters to decide whether gay marriage should be allowed in individual states.

About a dozen federal judges have decided similar cases across the country, each time ruling in favor of the marriage recognition. Legal experts say, however the judge rules, this case will likely end up in the 5th circuit court of appeals.